Wired IEMs
CrinEar Reference
86Outstanding
$350
Full review dataCrinEar Reference vs Sony MDR-EX800st: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the CrinEar Reference comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: CrinEar Reference - Outstanding overall at around $350.
Wired IEMs
Sony MDR-EX800st
68Good
$300
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
CrinEar Reference leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- CrinEar Reference
- Sony MDR-EX800st
HearWiki score
86
68
Sound
9.1
7.8
Value
8.9
7.1
Price (USD)
$350
$300
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The CrinEar Reference is 16 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 16 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Reference202616 yr newer
- MDR-EX800st2010
Specifications
ReferenceMDR-EX800st
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $350
- $300
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 68
- Released
- 2026
- 2010
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 3BA hybrid
- 16 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 3BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 16 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- -
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 108 dB/mW
- Weight
- -
- 7 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- -
What reviewers said
CrinEar Reference
The CrinEar Reference is a wired in-ear monitor with a hybrid 2DD + 3BA driver setup, offering a balanced and detailed sound signature. It features a detachable 4.4mm balanced cable and relies on a tight seal for passive isolation, making it a strong choice for critical listening at its price point.
- Pro:Hybrid driver configuration delivers rich, layered sound
- Pro:Detachable 4.4mm balanced cable for flexible connectivity
- Pro:Good passive isolation from proper eartip seal
- Con:No active noise cancellation, so external noise isn't fully blocked
- Con:Requires a balanced source to fully utilize the 4.4mm connector
- Con:Fit may be finicky for some users to achieve optimal seal
Sony MDR-EX800st
The Sony MDR-EX800ST is a wired in-ear monitor designed for professional stage use, developed in collaboration with Sony Music Studios. It features a 16mm dynamic driver and a detachable cable, prioritizing accurate sound reproduction for live performance monitoring. This lightweight IEM (7g) offers high sensitivity, making it a reliable tool for artists on stage.
- Pro:Professional-grade sound accuracy for monitoring
- Pro:Large 16mm dynamic driver for detailed audio
- Pro:Lightweight design (7g) for comfortable extended wear
- Con:No active noise cancellation, relying on passive isolation only
- Con:Wired-only design limits portability without a source
- Con:Premium price point may not suit casual listeners
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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